New Year’s Resolution for Saving Energy

New Year’s Resolution for Saving Energy

As we begin 2024, many of us are setting New Year’s resolutions to improve our lives and our planet. Why not add energy conservation to your list! Not only does this help the environment, but it also reduces your energy bill, allowing you to put your new-found savings to good use. Here are some easy ways to help you with your energy-saving resolutions.

• Lighting

  • Turn off lights whenever you leave a room or don’t need them.
  • When you’re away from home, use a timer to turn lights on and off automatically.
  • Replace your incandescent light bulbs, both indoors and outdoors, with ENERGY STAR® certified light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. For additional savings, use dimmable LEDs.
  • Use task lighting over desks, tables and workbenches.
  • Take advantage of natural light whenever possible.
  • When turning off a dimmer switch, make sure it’s completely in the off position – not just turned down.
  • Use LEDs in holiday lighting displays. They use 90% less energy and last up to 50,000 hours.

• Washer & Dryer

  • If you’re replacing your washer, choose an ENERGY STAR model with front-loading or horizontal axis features.
  • Wash clothes in cold or warm water rather than hot, and rinse in cold water.
  • Fill your washer and dryer to capacity whenever possible. Wash smaller loads using lower water levels.
  • Hang your clothes to dry whenever possible.
  • Clean your dryer’s lint filter after each load, and clean the outside vent regularly.

• Dishwasher

  • When buying a dishwasher, look for an ENERGY STAR certified model with features like air power drying and overnight drying settings.
  • Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them prior to loading. If you prefer rinsing, use a sink or pot filled with cold water, rather than hot running water.
  • Be sure that the dishwasher is full, but not overloaded.
  • Keep all drains and filters clean.
  • Use the air-drying option instead of heat drying. Or better yet, turn off the drying cycle, open the dishwasher and let the contents air dry.

• Oven, range, and refrigerator

  • Don’t line oven racks with foil. It blocks heat flow.
  • Use a kettle rather than a pot to boil water. If using a pot, keep the lid on.
  • Allow frozen meats to thaw completely before cooking.
  • Leave several inches of space behind and on the sides of your refrigerator so air can circulate around the unit.
  • Clean underneath or in the back of your refrigerator or freezer periodically.
  • Check for air leaks by shutting a piece of paper in the refrigerator door. If you can remove the paper without resistance, cold air may be escaping.
  • Let hot foods cool before placing them in the refrigerator. (Cooked meats, however, should be refrigerated immediately.)
  • Keep your refrigerator temperature setting just low enough to chill milk (38°-40° F) and the freezer low enough to keep ice cream hard (around 5° F).
  • Don’t open the refrigerator door unnecessarily, or keep it open for prolonged periods.
  • For older refrigerators, remove frost periodically.

• Small appliances

  • Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for electronics and appliances.
  • Unplug electronics when not in use, or use a power strip to eliminate any ‘standby’ power that many devices consume even when turned off. An inexpensive watt-meter can also be purchased to determine how much energy devices are using.

• Water use

  • Turn off the tap when you shave or brush your teeth.
  • Set your hot water heater at 120° F. (Many are preset at 140°).
  • Replace washers on leaky faucets. A steady drip can add up to many gallons wasted every month

• Insullation

  • Install wall-outlet and switch-plate gaskets to reduce the flow of cold air.
  • Install storm windows, or purchase window insulator kits to reduce drafts.
  • Be sure your home’s insulation meets U.S. Department of Energy specifications for your geographic area, and that ceilings, walls, and floors over unfinished crawl spaces are all properly insulated.
  • Insulate hot water pipes.
  • Install storm doors to reduce heat transfer to the outside.

• Heating and cooling

  • Have your heating equipment periodically checked by a service professional.
  • Dust or vacuum radiator surfaces and vents frequently and keep them unobstructed.
  • Keep insulated drapes or shades closed in summer and open on sunny winter days. Close curtains or drapes on winter nights to reduce heat loss.
  • Close fireplace dampers when not in use to keep heated or cooled air from escaping up the chimney.
  • Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each degree above 68º F can use 3% more energy.
  • Open windows in spring and fall rather than using air conditioning.
  • Install programmable or wi-fi thermostat to automatically control heating and cooling.
  • Clean or replace furnace filters periodically, and have your furnace burner checked and cleaned annually.
  • Use ceiling or portable fans in place of room air conditioners whenever possible.
  • If you use electric heat, consider replacing it with a high efficiency ductless heat pump system, which can cut electricity use by as much as 50 percent.